Anorexia in the Guinea Pig
Just recently, a client presented a rescued adult female guinea pig for lethargy, weight loss and poor appetite. This little pig had delivered three healthy babies just four to five weeks prior to her visit. Given her history, my first thoughts ran to problems with her reproductive tract, such as an infection in the uterus. […]
Arthritis in Cats
The American Association of Feline Practitioners Life Stage Guidelines defines senior cats as those between 11 and 14 years of age, and geriatric cats as those 15 years or older. Arthritis is extremely common in cats, and by the age of 14 it is thought that 82% of cats will have arthritis. The problem is that arthritis […]
Household Dangers for Exotic Pets
Most of us are aware of the common household dangers for our dog and cat companions, such as chocolate, onion, pesticides, and plants like lilies and poinsettias. However, our homes can be the source of many other dangers for our exotic pets. The list of potentially toxic foods grows considerably when dealing with birds. We […]
Obesity in Cats
Obesity is associated with many disease conditions in cats. These include orthopedic diseases, diabetes, certain cancers, idiopathic cystitis, and decreased immune response. Obesity is extremely common in cats. Recent studies show that more than 35% of cats the United States are obese. This is probably because most cats are fed dry diets which are high […]
Introducing a New Cat to a Household
Everyone loves having a new cat or kitten in the house, except the current resident cats. Transitioning a new cat to a household of existing cats can be a difficult situation, but it can be made easier if you follow a few principles. The first thing to remember is that cats are not social animals […]
Annual Exams for Exotic Pets
Annual Exams for Exotic Pets? You bet! Unlike dogs and cats, many of our common exotic pets do not require annual vaccination. The most notable exception is the ferret, which receives annual Distemper and Rabies vaccines. Often, exotic pet owners conclude that their pets then do not need to come to the veterinarian unless they […]
Kitten Play Behavior
One of my favorite things about kittens is watching them play. It can provide hours of entertainment! It is important to know how to properly play with your kitten in order to prevent future behavior problems. Behavior that may seem cute in kittens won’t be appreciated when your cat grows older. Biting and scratching during […]
Allergies In Dogs and Cats
Our canine and feline friends unfortunately often experience the dreaded allergy season, just like we do. However, symptoms are usually quite different from ours. Allergies in dogs and cats cause them to become very itchy and uncomfortable with secondary skin infections, hair loss, redness of skin, and even “hot spots” of rawness, bleeding, and scabbing. […]